Mr. James Frank Harris

February 19, 1948 - January 6, 2021

James Frank Harris left this world at his residence in Gulf Shores, AL to meet his Lord and Savior on January 6, 2021. Frank (Frankie to his childhood friends) was born February 19, 1948 in Gadsden, Al. Frank was preceded in death by his father, William "Bill" Delap Harris and his mother, Valda Smith Harris, who was the most influential person in his life and from whom he learned his faith and values. Growing up, Frank was a good athlete who played football and basketball in Gadsden's Youth Leagues. Alongside his teammates at the local boys club, three years in a row, they won a tri-state tournament in Chattanooga featuring teams from Georgia, Tennessee and Alabama. The team was coached by current Gadsden Mayor, Sherman Guyton. Frank loved the outdoors and spent many days with family and friends camping in North Alabama and water skiing on the Tennessee River. Frank was an avid snow skier and later developed the love of his sporting life - scuba diving. Often accompanied by his sister Janie, her husband Melton and Catherine Terraciano, Frank dove in all the major oceans over the world and other spots including The Dead Sea in Israel. After health issues forced him to give up golf, Frank developed a love for travel both in the U.S. and abroad. Frank traveled to more than 100 different foreign countries and in his later years developed a special love for exploring Africa. Frank made many lifelong friends while traveling with the Adventures for Singles Group in Atlanta. Frank was a devoted friend to many and loved telling stories. He loved college football and often spent his entire Saturday watching games: especially his Alabama Crimson Tide. Frank was a proud Army military veteran who trained in Ft. Gordon, GA as a MP and later served a year in Saigon during the height of the conflict in Vietnam. In Gadsden, Frank attended Dwight Elementary, Forrest Jr. High and graduated from Emma Sansom High School in 1966. A point of pride for him was that he never missed a day of school in 12 consecutive years. After completing his military service, Frank earned his B.S. in business from UAB in Birmingham. After graduation Frank began a life long profession in the insurance business. He founded Frank Harris & Associates in Birmingham which performed accident investigations and settlements. Frank was still running this company almost forty years later until the time of his death. During this span, he was assisted by his faithful associate, Paula Sutherland, who worked along side him this entire period. Frank's health issues required two bypass surgeries. The first at age 37 and another at age 50. Never letting it deter him and never complaining, he extended his life by becoming an avid runner and then walker for many years. Unfortunately, his congestive heart problems and complications from diabetes led to the deterioration of his vital organs which contributed to his death. Frank is survived by his loving partner of many years, Lisa Lynn Ludke of Gulf Shores, AL and her daughter, Jacqueline Beck (Tyler) of Robertsdale, AL and their sons, Gavin, Jackson and Mason who lovingly called him Papa Frank. Frank leaves behind his sister, Janie Harris Terrell (Melton) of Altoona, AL and brother, Terrell A "Terry" (Joan) Harris of Miramar Beach, FL and other survivors include nephew, Melton P. Terrell, Jr. (Dana) of Cambridge, England, their sons, Conner and Jacob, niece, Susan Terrell Huffman of Birmingham, her daughter, Dusty Terrell of Boaz and nephew, Tim Kenum (Katherine) of West Bloomfield Hills, MI and their sons, Harrison and Carson. Frank had friends too numerous to mention but his family would like to extend special thanks to his caregivers, heart surgeon, Dr. Richard Cox, heart nurse and beloved friend and advisor, Susan Deramus and Mary Burrell of Boston Scientific (all of Birmingham) who helped Frank live a full and fruitful life in spite of his medical issues. Celebrations of Frank's life will be scheduled later due to COVID considerations. Graveside services only are scheduled for Saturday, January 16th at beginning at 1:30 p.m. with service to start at 2:00 p.m. at the Old Cooper Cemetery, 25421 Cooper Cemetery Road, Robertsdale, AL, 36567. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Old Cooper Cemetery, P. O. Box 487, Loxley, AL 36551 of the charity of your choice.